'53 4dr Chevy Sedan
 

I know, I know, it's not your typical eco car but it's sentimental. This has been a 25 year project that never really got to assembly phase. The original engine/trans/differential are pulled. Original plans where to use a Q-jet carb'd, 350 v-8 through a TH350 3spd into a 3.08:1 axle. Mod's would be grill block, electric fans, skirts, lowered, belly pan, O2 tuning, locking TC, open to other suggestions. This car will see easy going family outings of about 10%/40%/60% city/rural/freeway.

So, now I'm struggling on which rear gears to use: 2.42, 2.73 or 3.08 with the TH350 to keep me in the efficient "sweet spot". I'm looking for a 200-4r to get lower freeway rpms. Which rear gears do you think would maximize efficiency; other input considered?

I was curious as to what series of model you have: In my Chevy book the Belair 4dr. is listed at 3,275#, the 210 at 3,250#, and the 150 at 3,215#.

I mentioned that so that a better math head on here than myself might help formulize a plan for your other ratio's.

Due to the future economy, I'd either go w a near stock 6cyl. w a manual, or go w a 6.2 Bio-Diesel.

No one can really formulate until you make your final eng., trans., picks.

It does sound like that the rear end ratio's that you mentioned would work w a V8 or a 6.2!

On a lighter note, is that your stock grille is probably strong enough to offer bumper like protection, so that you could eliminate the front bumper, and build a cool airdam! Moon discs would look great on there.

Do you follow JUNK YARD LIFE on line? They recently had a spot on there about a '53!

My greatest memory of my Grandfather was his '54 Chev.

I hope a more math then me guy will chime in here to help you.

Aloha!

I'd go with a 6 or even a 4.

Kubota turbodiesel

I'd check into a 3.8l v-6 turbo.

Cummins 4bt

VBOD -

Cool project. Here's more info on your model year :

1953 1954 Chevrolet Automobile

http://www.1953chevrolet.com/images/Chev_B_3_Z.jpg

It used to have a 115 HP or less engine. Seems like any modern 4-banger would do the job.

CarloSW2

53 was either the last year of poured babbit mains, or the first year of inserts.

regards
Mech

I have a super big car (59 Edsel) with a ford 2.3 turbo and a 5 speed. Even fully loaded with family, fuel, and luggage it climbs the steepest of highway hills with ease. It probably has only 150HP since I have not added an intercooler yet. It will be getting an intercooler and other mods very soon.

If you are looking for fuel economy then the carbed 350V8 is probably overkill for displacement and will never get that good of mileage. Strangely enough when I tell people that I can get 24mpg they will sometimes tell a story of some car they had in the good ol' days that had a 454 big block getting 25mpg because the big engine supposedly did not have to work hard. I suspect the people getting this good of economy from a V8 were not keeping actual fuel logs. I say go with 4 cylinder power if you can and do those aero mods too!

My cheapest (install) route would be to drop in a running 50's 235 and next a sbc/auto combo both carb'd versions. A little diesel would be sweet but people 'round here are holding on to them. I see a few vortec v6's and even 5.3L chevy's, these could be tuned or tweeked but then install costs get in the way. I'm liking the little D idea, though; I just don't know anything about which ones are good. I see a few good running 6.2L chevys around cheap but...I don't know Diesels.